Glenn Vaagen – Washington AG Networkhttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com
when you need to know...Fri, 14 Dec 2018 18:42:56 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Newhouse Happy With The Farm Billhttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/newhouse-happy-with-the-farm-bill/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/newhouse-happy-with-the-farm-bill/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:41:46 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23933On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the 2018 Farm Bill, moving the key legislation to President Trump for his signature. Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse took to the House floor this week, praising the legislation, saying it will benefit many. “Sets us on a better path for our farmers and ranchers, for our […]

]]>On Wednesday, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the 2018 Farm Bill, moving the key legislation to President Trump for his signature. Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse took to the House floor this week, praising the legislation, saying it will benefit many.

“Sets us on a better path for our farmers and ranchers, for our rural communities, for small businesses, and for consumers across the country, at the grocery stores and at kitchen tables.”

Newhouse acknowledged there were things such as SNAP work requirements he would have liked to see addressed, but said the 2018 Farm Bill is still good legislation.

“No piece of legislation is perfect, particularly comprehensive bills that have been negotiated for months, but the fact of the matter is, this farm Bill includes importance and significant wins, for American farmers and ranchers, and it is now our responsibility to get the job done.”

Newhouse during his floor speech noted how the Farm Bill will benefit growers in Okanogan County, dairy producers in Yakima County, Washington State University and many others. By the way, President Trump has already indicated that he will sign the $867 billion piece of legislation.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/newhouse-happy-with-the-farm-bill/feed/0Conaway: We Need To Promote American Ag Overseashttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conaway-we-need-to-promote-american-ag-overseas/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conaway-we-need-to-promote-american-ag-overseas/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:35:42 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23927Trade promotion is a key part of the Farm Bill en route to President Trump for his signature. Even though there are signs U.S. trade tensions with China may be thawing, lawmakers took no changes on farm trade. House Ag Chair Michael Conaway stressed the importance of promoting U.S. farm exports, especially in light of […]

]]>Trade promotion is a key part of the Farm Bill en route to President Trump for his signature. Even though there are signs U.S. trade tensions with China may be thawing, lawmakers took no changes on farm trade. House Ag Chair Michael Conaway stressed the importance of promoting U.S. farm exports, especially in light of China’s recent actions.

“China recently over subsidized just three crops by more than $100 billion in a single year. Put it in perspective, China spent more on excess illegal subsidies in a year, then the entire U.S. safety net covering all commodities will cost in roughly two Farm Bills.”

Conaway said there was a key reason that lawmakers fully funded trade promotion programs, at the request of producers.

“This concludes fully funding the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program. We also succeed in maintaining the vital link between America’s farmers and ranchers and U.S. food aid by preserving the in kind food assistance to our neighbors in need around the world.”

Trade talks continue with China, and President Trump recently brokered a ceasefire in the tariff war with Beijing. A brewing spat over the arrest in Canada, and possible extradition to the US, of a Chinese tech executive for alleged Iran sanctions violations, could hurt progress. China so far, has kept the arrest and trade issues separate, with the rumored soybean buys and possible cut in auto tariffs as positive signs.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conaway-we-need-to-promote-american-ag-overseas/feed/0Focus on Fruit: 12/14/18https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/focus-on-fruit-12-14-18/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/focus-on-fruit-12-14-18/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:34:14 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23936Did you know that December is National Pear Month? Kathy Stephenson with Pear Bureau Northwest talks about what this month means. If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/focus-on-fruit-12-14-18/feed/0USMEF Stress The Importance Of Japanese Markethttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/usmef-stress-the-importance-of-japanese-market/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/usmef-stress-the-importance-of-japanese-market/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:32:18 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23889On Monday, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a public hearing in preparation for its upcoming trade agreement negotiations with Japan. One off those who testified at that hearing was U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO. He said these bilateral talks with Japan are not only important but are urgent. “Reemphasizing […]

On Monday, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opened a public hearing in preparation for its upcoming trade agreement negotiations with Japan. One off those who testified at that hearing was U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO. He said these bilateral talks with Japan are not only important but are urgent.

“Reemphasizing the importance of the Japanese market, our largest trading partner on Beef and Pork, globally. Beef is about $2 billion a year, and pork is over $1.5 billion, so between the two, in excess of $3.5 billion per year. It’s not only our largest value market, it’s also one of the larger profit margin markets.”

Halstrom said another reason these talks with Japan are so important, the fact that many American competitors already have deals with Japan, either through the CP-TPP or the trade agreement worked out earlier this year by the EU. Halstrom also noted Australia will become more competitive in the beef market in the coming years as tariffs against that country continue to drop.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/usmef-stress-the-importance-of-japanese-market/feed/0ODA Send Volunteers To Take Over California Shelterhttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/oda-send-volunteers-to-take-over-california-shelter/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/oda-send-volunteers-to-take-over-california-shelter/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:22:03 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23931The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced Thursday it will lead a team of 22 Oregon volunteers to Butte County, California to take over the operations of the Small Animal Full Care Shelter. The shelter is one of three locations established to house animals displaced by the Camp Fire. ODA organized 5 veterinarians, 6 veterinary technicians […]

]]>The Oregon Department of Agriculture announced Thursday it will lead a team of 22 Oregon volunteers to Butte County, California to take over the operations of the Small Animal Full Care Shelter. The shelter is one of three locations established to house animals displaced by the Camp Fire. ODA organized 5 veterinarians, 6 veterinary technicians and 11 shelter management experts from all over the state to serve in a clinical and management role caring for more than 500 animals. While roughly 100 of the animals have been matched with their owners, the remainder have yet to be claimed.

The crew will leave Friday, December 14.

“When California asked for help, without hesitation we responded with a yes,” said ODA Director Alexis Taylor. “This is the first time as a member of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) we have been asked to organize a deployment. Being a good neighbor is a big part of what we do at ODA. I really want to thank all the volunteers who are taking time out of their busy lives to help us make this happen so quickly.”

The state of California made the request through the EMAC, a national state-to-state mutual aid system. The EMAC request was sent directly to the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) who coordinated with ODA to fulfill the request.

ODA Veterinarian, Ryan Scholz, is organizing the deployment and sees this mission as preparation for our state. “This is a great opportunity for us to put our years of preparations to the test,” says Scholz. “I’m sure we will learn a lot and we plan to bring that knowledge back to help ensure that we can respond in the event of a natural disaster in Oregon. We need to be ready.”

Scholz also represents ODA as lead for the Oregon State Emergency Support Function 17, Agriculture and Animal Protection, that coordinates the state’s response for animal and agriculture issues in an emergency or disaster.

During their 9-day deployment Oregon’s volunteers will help organize shelter operations, and assist in developing a long-term operations structure. The veterinarians and technicians will oversee the ongoing care of the animals as well as develop and improve infectious disease management protocols. The shelter management experts will oversee approximately 30 National Guard troops and other volunteers who are handling daily care tasks.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/oda-send-volunteers-to-take-over-california-shelter/feed/0Vilsack U.S. Dairy Farmers Have A Lot Of Potentialhttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/vilsack-u-s-dairy-farmers-have-a-lot-of-potential/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/vilsack-u-s-dairy-farmers-have-a-lot-of-potential/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:20:01 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23894Ask Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Federation, and he’ll tell you that the U.S. has an opportunity to increase already record high U.S. dairy exports, by expanding into the Middle East market. “The Middle East is a place where there are very few barriers, very few trade barriers and […]

]]>Ask Tom Vilsack, President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Federation, and he’ll tell you that the U.S. has an opportunity to increase already record high U.S. dairy exports, by expanding into the Middle East market.

“The Middle East is a place where there are very few barriers, very few trade barriers and very few sanitary and phytosanitary barriers, that you would find in other countries. That’s number one. Number two, you’re dealing with a very wealthy community, I’ll give you one example, the United Arab Emirates, 85% of the people that live in those Emirates are not from those emirates, so when you go into a grocery store in Dubai, you’re going to see a broad range of international food choices.”

Vilsack noted that many Middle Eastern customers are relatively wealthy, which means they will look to spend on quality products. The former Ag Secretary said it’s important that American producers use good marketing tactics.

“You’ll see it from Ireland, you’ll see it from the Netherlands, but you wont necessarily know you’re getting it from the U.S. So, it’s going to be important for us to market U.S. specifically. It’s also important for us to tell the story of sustainability, you know the Wisconsin farmers are doing a great job on the environment, great job on animal welfare, great job with greenhouse gas reductions, we need to tell that story more forcefully.”

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/vilsack-u-s-dairy-farmers-have-a-lot-of-potential/feed/0Ag Groups Applaud Animal Health Provisions in 2018 Farm Billhttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/ag-groups-applaud-animal-health-provisions-in-2018-farm-bill/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/ag-groups-applaud-animal-health-provisions-in-2018-farm-bill/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:18:12 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23929The National Pork Producers Council is pleased that the 2018 Farm Bill contains important mandatory funding for animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts. The five-year bill includes $120 million in funding for the first four years of the legislation going to animal health and disease preparedness. At least $5 million a year will go directly to the National […]

]]>The National Pork Producers Council is pleased that the 2018 Farm Bill contains important mandatory funding for animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts. The five-year bill includes $120 million in funding for the first four years of the legislation going to animal health and disease preparedness. At least $5 million a year will go directly to the National Animal Disease Preparedness Program.

Money can go to a national disease vaccine bank; to the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, which provides disease and diagnostic support; and, through block grants, go to state efforts to prepare for any foreign animal disease outbreak. The Animal Agriculture Coalition is also pleased with the animal health provisions in the farm bill.

“Livestock and poultry producers, working together with veterinarians, work hard to ensure the health of the animals they raise,” the coalition says in a statement. “They play a central role in feeding the nation’s families, as well as providing jobs that contribute to economic stability. That’s why producers and veterinarians agree that preventing the impact of devastating animal diseases must be a high priority.”

The organization is pleased the bill provides funding for research into animal diseases, as well as the ability to respond if diseases are identified in the nation’s herds and flocks.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/ag-groups-applaud-animal-health-provisions-in-2018-farm-bill/feed/0Conservation Districts Approve New WOTUS Rulehttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conservation-districts-approve-new-wotus-rule/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conservation-districts-approve-new-wotus-rule/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:07:36 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23925Earlier this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA announced rulemaking that includes a new definition of WOTUS under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule is designed to revise the definition of WOTUS, in order to make sure the definition matches up with the Trump Administration’s Executive Order issued in February of […]

]]>Earlier this week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA announced rulemaking that includes a new definition of WOTUS under the Clean Water Act. The proposed rule is designed to revise the definition of WOTUS, in order to make sure the definition matches up with the Trump Administration’s Executive Order issued in February of 2017.

Brent Van Dyke, President of the National Association of Conservation Districts says he is pleased with the work done by the EPA and the Army Corps to address just how complex the definition of jurisdictional waters can be.

“Locally-led conservation, including local decision-making, must be at the forefront of these clarification efforts,” he says. “That’s why the NACD has consistently stood against expanding federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.”

Van Dyke added they are optimistic the new rule will provide clarity and transparency around current WOTUS regulations and help landowners better understand how to comply with the law. The National Association of Conservation Districts says it will continue to work with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to provide additional input as they complete the review of the proposed rule.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/conservation-districts-approve-new-wotus-rule/feed/0DOJ Recommends Supreme Court Not Touch CA Animal Welfare Lawshttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/doj-recommends-supreme-court-not-touch-ca-animal-welfare-laws/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/doj-recommends-supreme-court-not-touch-ca-animal-welfare-laws/#respondFri, 14 Dec 2018 17:04:47 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23807The U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief recommending that the Supreme Court not hear the lawsuit the state of Missouri filed against California. The subject of the lawsuit is California’s laws requiring larger enclosures for egg-laying hens and other animals. MeatingPlace.com said the Department’s position could be a big benefit to animal rights groups and activists […]

]]>The U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief recommending that the Supreme Court not hear the lawsuit the state of Missouri filed against California. The subject of the lawsuit is California’s laws requiring larger enclosures for egg-laying hens and other animals. MeatingPlace.com said the Department’s position could be a big benefit to animal rights groups and activists who are pushing for similar laws in other states.

Missouri officials said in spite of the recommendations, they’ll be pushing ahead with their lawsuit against California. Missouri joined a dozen other states in filing the complaint last year, arguing that California’s laws, which were implemented in 2015, make interstate commerce much more difficult, which in turn drives up egg prices.

In its brief, the Department of Justice says egg prices are determined “by a series of market factors.” Because of that, the Justice Department contends that the plaintiffs’ argument that California laws are raising egg prices in other states is not reasonable.

]]>https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/14/doj-recommends-supreme-court-not-touch-ca-animal-welfare-laws/feed/0Farm Bill Clears House, Now Heads To President Trumphttps://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/13/farm-bill-clears-house-now-heads-to-president-trump/
https://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/2018/12/13/farm-bill-clears-house-now-heads-to-president-trump/#respondThu, 13 Dec 2018 16:40:45 +0000http://www.washingtonagnetwork.com/?p=23906By a 369 to 47 vote, the House approved the 2018 Farm Bill, sending the legislation to President Trump for his signature. House approval came a day after the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan measure, months after the expiration of the 2014 Farm Bill; and after years of a farm crisis that’s driven many producers […]

]]>By a 369 to 47 vote, the House approved the 2018 Farm Bill, sending the legislation to President Trump for his signature. House approval came a day after the Senate overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan measure, months after the expiration of the 2014 Farm Bill; and after years of a farm crisis that’s driven many producers out of business. President Trump has already said he plans to sign the $867 billion Farm Bill.

Davis voted for the bill but called it a “missed opportunity” to get millions of food stamp families into job training. Top Senate Ag Democrat Debbie Stabenow declared victory in holding back those tougher House GOP SNAP work and training requirements, while making community food programs permanent.

“We said no to harmful changes that would take away food from families, and instead increase program integrity, and job training.”

Ag Sonny Perdue reportedly plans to issue a post-farm bill rule to crack down on work-requirement waivers—a bid to assuage House conservatives.

The final version strengthens and expands crop insurance, keeps and expands EQIP and CSP, and increases CRP acreage from 23-million acres to 27-million. ARC and PLC are improved, producers are given greater selection flexibility, and PLC reference prices are allowed to float upwards based on 85% of a five-year Olympic average, if there’s a rebound in market prices. The AGI or adjusted gross income eligibility limit for farm payments remains at $900,000, but there’s no limit on the number of farm managers eligible for payments.

Also included in the 2018 Farm Bill, new Dairy Margin Coverage program crafted to help smaller dairies. A new Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank is authorized. And Industrial hemp, key for Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and his home state Kentucky, can now be covered by crop insurance contracts but not Title 1 subsidies.